There are 11 games across the NBA this evening. With such a massive slate, there are no shortage of options. Here are a few players that are worth considering to make the first basket on Wednesday, October 21.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA First Basket Scorer Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Miami Heat
We are coming in hot with one of the most impactful off-season acquisitions across the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo will make his first regular season start for the Miami Heat. If the preseason was any indication, the new addition to the Heat is going to make an instant impact in his first home game. Giannis scored 47 points over 56 minutes of exhibition basketball.
The veteran forward is both the point guard and the top scoring option on Miami. We expect Giannis to have the ball in his hands right from the start, and will no doubt be looking to get to the basket. Bam Adebayo (+650) is also a strong option to mull over to score the first basket. Had Bam not missed all three preseason games, he would more than likely be our favorite candidate to score the first field-goal.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo (+480)
Charlotte Hornets at Brooklyn Nets
With Kon Kneuppel out for this contest, the bulk of the scoring should fall on Brandon Miller. The young guard averaged 14.6 attempts through three exhibition games. Miller looked aggressive, and should be able to get an easy look early against an underwhelming Nets defense. Brooklyn allowed over 116 points through four preseason contests, and 133 over the last two.
Miller will have more than a puncher's chance to score first in this contest. The offense for Charlotte will more than likely flow through the sharp-shooting guard, and Brooklyn's defense isn't making things difficult on the opposition in regards to scoring. The +650 return is tied for our highest of the evening, and taking Miller to score the first basket is well worth a sprinkle of your bankroll.
Pick: Brandon Miller (+650)
Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans
No surprise here whatsoever. When Zion Williamson is in uniform for New Orleans, he is going to look to score early and often. If the Pelicans can win the tip or get a rebound of an Indiana miss, we expect Williamson to show his dominance immediately. When the forward for New Orleans is attacking the rim there aren't many in the league that can provide much resistance.
The Duke alum did not exceed 22 minutes over the preseaso, which means we should get the most aggressive version of Williamson this evening. The forward for the Pelicans attempted 14 shots in 22 minutes against the Wizards in the final exhibition game on Friday.
Pick: Zion Williamson (+600)
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
Luca Doncic is most certainly the obvious pick, and we wouldn't fault you in the least if you prefer the lethal guard. Having said that, Golden State is horrifically devoid of size and a quick dump off down low or an alley-oop to Walker Kessler is just as probable. Either Doncic or Austin Reaves are capable of getting into the paint which ultimately leaves Kessler open down low.
The center for the Lakers had a rough matchup in the final preseason game against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The matchup tonight isn't anywhere near as difficult. The return on Kessler is currently at +500. That's only +20 over Giannis Antetokounmpo. The oddsmakers are making it well known Walker Kessler is a top candidate to score the first basket this evening.
Pick: Walker Kessler (+500)
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers
The guard for the Trail Blazers will make his return to Portland after being acquired in the offseason. Aside from winning the Three-Point Contest, Damian Lillard missed the entire 2025-2026 season after suffering an Achilles injury. Lillard scored 23 points in 26 minutes in his final preseason contest against Golden State, and appears ready to make the most of his 15th NBA campaign.
Portland may look to get Lillard involved as soon as the first possession to get the veteran guard, as well as the home crowd going. The place should erupt if Lillard knocks down his first basket in a Portland uniform in three seasons, especially if it's from beyond the arc.
Pick: Damian Lillard (+650)
